The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity...

(lot of 2) Persian Shamshir sword, early 19th century, the hilt with wooden grips (likely replaced) with engraved cross bar guard and strap, surmounting the curved Damascene blade, having two gold inlaid Koftgari cartouches inscribed, 'Amal-e Assadollah' (The work of Assadollah), which may be an honorific rather than an actual maker's mark, this inscription honors one of the great sword makers of the Safavid period and may have been given to master Persian sword smiths, the sword also appears to...

Indian Wood Stele of Indra and Consort seated in 'royal ease' on lotus throne under the crest of the flaming Kirtimukha lion-torso figure with arms outstretched. Wondrously carved, standing attendants at each side. Worn with devotional usage. Traces of old pigment. Pair of recumbent elephants and deity at base.

Handley Collection, purchased Sotheby's March 1988

circa 1700s Size: 23"H x 13" W x 5" D

Rare Early 18th Century Bhutanese Thangka Painting of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), founder of Tibetan Buddhism. 26.5 x 21 inches, 67.25 x 53.25 cm.

An incredible dramatic pair of Indian sandstone fragments of a pair of elephants. Stunning original white pigment remains. Realistic lifelike detailing in the form of each statue, mirroring the other's position, their heads and bodies draped in ornate, decorative garb.

Early 19th century (circa 1810).

Size: 8.5" W x 21.5" L x 18.5" H

Deity head in hammered bronze. The bronze is very thick, the ears are cast separately and welded. The hair is perfectly chiseled with a lot of elegance. The patina is verdigris and recalls that of ancient Roman bronzes. It is highly probable that this head was buried for several centuries. We were unable to locate it geographically. India, Himalayas, Afghanistan, Swat valley....? The appearance of the metal and its patina would indicate a high period of several centuries...

H. 11,6 cm. Very nice age wear and a soft patina with traces of puja worship. Provenance: Belgian private collection.

A fine and complete set of Tibetan saddle Rugs. The set is composed of a woollen saddle blanket in butterfly shape and a matching saddle seat cover. The central medallion decorated with pair of Snow Lions playing with pearls, beige on red ground; borders with stylised dragons, red and blue on beige borders. Snow Lion is the national emblem of Tibet. Large piece: L. 143 cm x 66 cm; 56 x 26 inches. Seat: L. 89 x 64 cm; 35 x 25 inches. Tibet first part of the 20th century...

DESCRIPTION: An antique hand-painted ceremonial drum with vivid motifs of large flowers with curling green tendrils against a red ground. Both ends of the drum are covered in animal hide and secured with round-headed metal studs. This highly decorative drum makes a perfect little end table, or adds a touch of exotic to any décor. Very good condition with minor rubbing in spots. DIMENSIONS: 16 5/8” high (42.2 cm) x 15 5/8” diameter (39.6 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A large Mongolian trunk, the front delightfully hand painted with a large, colorful bird perched upon leafy blooms, around which are fanciful borders of butterflies, pomegranates, lilies and large red blossoms. Sturdily constructed of light weight Poplar wood, the top and sides are lacquered black while the back is red. A perfect place to store linens and blankets, it would also make an attractive bedside table. Very good condition and dating from around 1900 - 1910...

Six different antique ceremonial spoons used during Hindu worship for offering holy water to deities, from Maharashtra. Made of brass or bronze, the largest spoon in "ganga-jumna" technique (brass and copper). Three with cobra, two with lotus bud and one with dancing Krishna final. One with short inscription. From a Swiss lady's private collection. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: 13.6 cm to 16.2 cm long.

A collection of 10 Buddhist and Bon ritual cards tsakli) painted with colors on paper from different sets, of which the most interesting and rare depicts a Wrathful Protector, 3 Vinaya cards and a Yogi belonging to the Bonpo school, and 5 Buddhist tsakli with ritual objects. Most of the cards have long inscription on the back side. Tibet, 19th and 20th cent. Condition: Of mixed quality, 3 in good condition, the rest quite worn.

Originally part of a full sized Tibetan adult costume, this piece was cut down to complete a childs festival costume. Decorated with turquoise, coins, tassels and silver ornaments, this type of textile accessory would often be attached to the elaborate headdress or hat and drape down the back to complete the wearers costume. The Tibetan people are not wastefull and items of festival garments in any condition are hard to acquire. I have had it hanging on my wall for a number of years...

A spherical lime container made of copper with scrollwork decoration, chain and spatula in brass. Betel nut chewing accessory, the interior with lime residue. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: diameter: 8.2 cm, chain with spatula: 32 cm long.

Ceremonial hat made of intricately woven, partly dyed in red, cane, decorated with bear fur also dyed in red, feathers and two boar tusks. North India, Naga ethnic group. Height: 27 cm. Obvious signs of age, otherwise very good condition.

Vintage Indian “paizbh”, girls chainmail anklet with leaf and flower shaped links, 125 grams, may be worn as a bracelet. Inner diameter 16cm. Good silver with screw in fastener.

Un panneau de bois sculpté en relief d'une divinité. Travail indien ou Himalayen. Ceratinement trés ancien. Au revers le bois a été fortement vermoulu, toutefois l'ensemble est solide. 205x130mm

Wonderful hand-carving from teak wood depicting Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings. He is easily identifiable by his elephant's head and four arms, two of which are shown holding his own broken tusks, and one of which is grasping his nose. He sits under an archway upon a hippopotamus with its head turned straight upward. Early 20th century (1900-1925) Size: 9.75" tall, 5.75" wide